Single-Piece High-Back Support with Integrated Hinge for Snowboard Bindings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snowboard bindings often require a separate heel loop for boot size adjustment, which adds cost and complexity, and may not offer the same level of performance and adjustability as higher-end bindings.

Innovation Solution

A snowboard binding system with a high-back support fabricated from a single piece of material, featuring a flexible hinge and locking mechanism for adjustable forward lean, and a releasable securing feature that allows for front-to-back adjustment without a separate heel loop, using a base plate and side rails for secure boot attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate heel loop is used for boot size adjustment, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot size adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heel loop and high-back support into a single integrated component. The high-back support includes an upper portion that engages the heel and a lower portion that attaches to the base plate, eliminating the need for a separate heel loop while maintaining boot size adjustment capability through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The high-back support serves multiple functions: it provides heel engagement for boot size adjustment, offers lateral support to the rider's leg, and attaches to the base plate for structural stability. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single-piece high-back support is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidforward lean adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The high-back support includes a hinge mechanism that allows the upper portion to pivot relative to the lower portion, enabling forward lean adjustment. This dynamic feature is integrated into the single-piece construction, allowing adjustability without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism allows the rider to adjust the forward lean angle by changing the relative position between the upper and lower portions of the high-back support. This parameter adjustment is achieved within the integrated single-piece structure through the hinge's rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional strap bindings are used, then boot security is improved, but lateral flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboot attachment securityVSAvoidlateral foot movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The binding system separates the functions of boot retention and lateral support. The base plate with side rails and straps provides secure attachment, while the high-back support provides lateral stability without restricting natural foot rolling motion during riding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The high-back support is positioned to provide lateral support to the rider's leg and heel area, while the straps are positioned to secure the boot without restricting lateral foot movement. This localized functional distribution allows security and flexibility to coexist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design provides adjustable forward lean and secure boot attachment, reducing costs by eliminating the need for a separate heel loop while maintaining performance comparable to higher-end bindings, and allowing for easy adjustment to accommodate different boot sizes.

Implementation Method 1

The high-back support is fabricated from a single piece of material and has a hinge formed therein to adjust a forward lean position of the high-back support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The locking mechanism has teeth configured to mate with the teeth of the curved surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

Each arm may be configured to include a surface configured to engage the base plate of the base to transfer a load from the leg engagement portion to the base plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS7621542B2Snowboard binding and related methods

Publication Date: 2009.11.24 BURTON CORP

AI summary

A snowboard binding for securing a boot to a snowboard includes a base that is mounted on the snowboard. The base includes a base plate and a pair of side rails that extend upwardly from the base plate along lateral sides of the base plate. The snowboard binding further includes a high-back support secured to the pair of side rails. The high-back support is fabricated from a single piece of material and has a hinge formed therein to adjust a forward lean position of the high-back support. Additional design features and methods are disclosed herein.